Feeding gilts during development has a significant impact on performance during the life cycle in the production of sows. Nutritional recommendations for the development of gilts are designed to meet the protein requirements and not to maximize the average daily gain (which would be a target in the commercial production of fattening pigs) and the amounts of vitamins and trace elements above recommendations for pigs to prepare gilts for further reproduction. It reflects the growth and maturity. Optimum weight at first service is 135-145 kg. Commercial gilts achive the recommended weight typically from 210 to 240 days of age. Gilts heavier than 145 kg have more expensive production cost due to increased food consumption but sows with higher body mass also tend to have shorter life productivity on farms with intensive production. Average daily gain from birth to the first service is one of most important indicators that show the proper way of feeding, and allows gilts to enter production with the proper weight and age. Optimal average daily gain from birth to the first service of gilts is 680-770 g / day. Proper nutrition regulates the intensity of growth to give gilts adequate age and body weight on the first insemination.
Keywords: Gilts, daily gain, weight
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